Dozens of local high school students start the new year with a lesson in giving back to the community by cutting out cancer. On Saturday, January 25, 2014, cosmetology students at Bucks County Technical High School (BCTHS) at 610 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills Pa 19030 will donate their time at the school’s third “HopeCuts” event from 9:00am to 2:00pm. During the HopeCuts, students will provide services for only five and six dollars, including haircuts, manicures, facials and conditioning/styling. One hundred percent of all money raised, including special product sales, will be donated to City of Hope to help cut out cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Festivities will also include baked goods, pizza and other snacks, plus raffles, product sales and prizes. For more about BCTHS, visit www.bcths.com or call (215) 949-1700, ext. 2088. For more information about City of Hope, please visit www.hopcuts.org or call 800-260-HOPE.

BCTHS Cosmetology Program Instructor Brandee Garnett started their HopeCuts event as a way of teaching students to give back and to learn how to do community service. Garnett wanted to find an organization that was not only a worthy cause, but where the students can continue to develop and showcase their many talents. HopeCuts and City of Hope was the perfect fit. Three years later, this annual fundraiser now attracts record crowds that come out to support the cause and receive discounted services that include:

·Facials - $6.00

·Manicures - $5 .00

·Haircuts - $5 .00

·Deep conditioner treatments and style - $5.00

“Last year we raised $6,000 and this year our goal is to reach $10,000 for this important cause,” said Garnett. “My hope is that students will graduate and continue giving back by sponsoring HopeCuts events at their new salons and throughout the rest of their career.”

While HopeCuts is now an on-going part of the schools commmunty service through the SkillsUSA program, students are looking forward to taking part and giving up their Saturday. “My grandmother had breast cancer and survived. In the process she lost all of her hair and it took forever to grow back and it was really hard on her,” saya Maddie, a student at BCTHS. “I like how City of Hope cares about the whole person. I love participating. It gives me faith that science will advance to find a cure so that everyone can survive.”

Other students had many other reasons for giving back, including:

“I participate in HopeCuts because it’s a good cause. I love the fact that I get to volunteer by doing something I love and raise money for cancer research.” -- Lucia. R 

“I participate in Hopecuts because I enjoy raising money for a cause. City of Hope helps change people’s lives and I love that I’m part of that.” -- Tori. B

“I’m participating because my grandmother died from breast cancer and I never got to meet her.” -- Keri. H<br>

“I participate in HopeCuts because I know by doing something that may seem very small to me it is doing something to change someone’s life. That makes my year!” -- Katia. H 

“My school is supporting a charity/ program that is finding a cure for AIDS. This is so awesome!” -- Jenna. R 

“SkillsUSA teachers help us give back to our community. HopeCuts is a great way for a cosmetologist to use their skills for a good cause.” -- Bella. R 

“I take part in HopeCuts to be involved in community service and to help raise money for cancer research.” -- Rachel.K

For more about BCTHS, visit www.bcths.com or call (215) 949-1700, ext. 2088. For more information about City of Hope, please visit www.hopcuts.org or call 800-260-HOPE.